Score improvements vary based on your starting point and study intensity, but students typically see gains of 2-4 points on the ACT or 100-200 points on the SAT with focused preparation. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's reading comprehension, algebra, or test-taking pace—and targeting them strategically. Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent practice combined with personalized instruction to address their unique challenges. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can create a customized study plan based on your diagnostic test results.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face, especially on the ACT where you have just over a minute per question. The strategy differs by section—for reading, many students benefit from skimming questions first, then reading the passage strategically, while for math, knowing when to skip a tough problem and come back to it is crucial. Practice tests are essential here; taking full-length, timed practice tests helps you build endurance and internalize the rhythm of each section. Tutors can analyze your practice test performance to identify where you're losing time and teach you section-specific strategies to improve your pace.

The best way is to take a full-length, timed practice test and review it carefully to see which questions you missed and why—was it a careless error, a concept gap, or running out of time? Look for patterns: if you're missing every other reading question, that's different from missing only geometry problems or rushing through the last section. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice tests in detail, pinpoint exactly where your gaps are, and create a targeted study plan that focuses on your specific needs rather than generic test prep.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about what to expect, so the best antidote is familiarity—taking multiple practice tests under real conditions helps normalize the experience and builds confidence. Breathing techniques and positive self-talk matter too, but they work best when paired with solid preparation. Tutors can help you develop a pre-test routine, teach you how to manage time pressure without panicking, and provide encouragement as you see your scores improve through practice. Many students find that personalized instruction reduces anxiety because they feel genuinely prepared rather than just hoping for the best.

An all-in-one approach lets you take practice tests for both formats early on and choose the one that better matches your strengths, rather than committing to one test and potentially wasting time. Many students discover they perform significantly better on one test over the other once they understand the differences in pacing, question style, and content emphasis. This approach is especially valuable for Toledo students with busy schedules—you get exposure to both tests and expert guidance on which to prioritize, then can focus your remaining prep time strategically. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can teach both test formats and help you make an informed decision about which to take.

Most students benefit from taking a full-length practice test every 2-3 weeks during their prep period, with lighter practice (individual sections or timed drills) in between. The key is reviewing each test thoroughly—not just checking your score, but understanding why you missed each question and what concept or strategy gap it reveals. Spacing out practice tests also mimics the spacing effect in learning, which research shows improves retention better than cramming. Tutors can help you choose which practice tests to take at which points in your prep timeline and guide you through productive review sessions that actually improve your performance.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic practice test (or review of a recent one) to identify your current strengths and weak areas across all sections. The tutor will then discuss your goals, timeline, and any specific concerns—like test anxiety or a particular section you're struggling with—to create a personalized study plan. You'll also learn about the test format, question types, and initial strategies tailored to your learning style. From there, you'll focus on targeted instruction in your weak areas combined with regular practice and progress monitoring to keep you on track.